Lukas Dhont's third feature film, 'Coward', opens the 53rd edition of Film Fest Gent on October 7, 2026, marking Dhont's third time as opening director. Set in 1917, the film follows two young soldiers in the trenches of the First World War, where newcomer Pierre and the inventive Francis seek a brief escape from the horrors of war. Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne jointly won the Best Actor award at Cannes. The Benelux premiere takes place at the festival, after which 'Coward' will be in Belgian cinemas from October 21.